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March 22, 2012

Are You a Sleeping Beauty?

We have discussed the importance of getting a good night’s sleep to keep your body strong and healthy, but there may be another reason you want to stay rested. A recent survey from Sweden shows that getting an adequate amount of sleep can help make you more attractive. Dr. Pate can help resolve your sleep problems so you can really get your “beauty sleep.”

Researchers asked observers to rate a series of photographs. Each participant had two photos—one taken after a good night’s sleep, and one taken after being awake for 31 hours. The observers rated the participants in the sleep-deprived photos as less healthy, less attractive, and more tired.

So how does sleep make you look more attractive? First of all, sleep gives your body the energy it needs to function properly throughout the day. If you stay awake all night, you won’t feel refreshed the next day and your body will feel sluggish. When it comes to appearance, sleep deprivation often leaves bags under your eyes and droopy skin. On the contrary, when your body is well-rested, your eyes will appear wider and your facial muscles will lift.

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March 15, 2012

Alternative Dental Terms

Dentistry has many different terms that can all mean the same thing. Just for fun, let’s take a look at some of the terms that Dr. Pate or others may use to discuss your teeth, mouth, and smile.

Alternative Names for Teeth

Your teeth have different shapes and different purposes. When Dr. Pate is examining your mouth, he may use specific names for your teeth. If he uses any of the following terms, they all generally mean “teeth.”

  • Pearly Whites
  • Bicuspids
  • Molars
  • Third molars
  • Wisdom teeth
  • Canines
  • Incisors
  • Chompers/Choppers
  • Fangs
  • Tusks

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March 8, 2012

Men vs. Women: Who Has Better Oral Health?

It’s the battle of the sexes! Men and women have different environmental, lifestyle, and behavioral factors that influence their oral health. Let’s take a look at some common gender differences that can affect your mouth.

Regular Hygiene

Women, in general, tend to pay more attention to their health and body. When it comes to oral hygiene, women are 26% more likely to floss on a daily basis, and 57% of women will brush twice a day. Additionally, about 53% of women brush their teeth at the workplace, compared with 37% of men. Only about 49% of men will brush twice daily. Due to their lack of preventive dental care, men are more likely to develop gum disease. Women are more likely to follow routine checkup schedules to keep their health in line, and they have a more positive attitude toward dental visits. They are also more likely to schedule a doctor visit when feeling sick or injured, while men will often try to fix an injury or problem on their own.

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March 7, 2012

National Sleep Awareness Week

The National Sleep Foundation reports that about 37 percent of adults sleep less than seven hours per night, but the recommended time is seven to nine hours. People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience daytime sleepiness and health problems. This week, March 5-11, is National Sleep Awareness Week, a campaign designed to promote the importance of sleep. Dr. Pate can help you understand the importance of getting adequate sleep at night.

  • Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting about 18 million Americans. Sleep apnea blocks your airways at night, interrupting your rest.
  • Insufficient sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
  • Sleeplessness decreases your performance and effectiveness, and increases your risk of accidents and injuries.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving is responsible for 1,500 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and 100,000 car accidents each year.
  • Staying awake for more than 20 hours straight causes the same reactions and impairment—including blurred vision—as having a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 percent.

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March 2, 2012

Rock Star Dental Habits

February was a month full of awards shows, including the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. As your favorite musicians accepted their awards, what did their smiles look like? Dr. Pate can help protect your teeth from some common destructive rock-star habits.

Oral Habits

Some rockers have wild lifestyles. Drug, tobacco, and alcohol use can damage their smiles. First, these products contribute to stained teeth. Your teeth should not look the same gold color as your Grammy! Furthermore, these habits can lead to dry mouth and increase your risk of oral cancer. Most musicians should set an example to their young fans and avoid harmful habits to keep their smiles white and healthy.

Stage Accidents

Instrument wires and stage oils can make performances very hazardous. Slipping on stage or diving into the audience may cause oral injuries, like broken teeth or knocked out teeth. Actress-singer Hilary Duff admitted that she chipped four of her teeth on microphones, influencing her decision to get veneers. If rock stars plan rowdy dance moves, they should consider wearing mouth guards to protect their smiles against accidental injuries.

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March 1, 2012

What are Taste Buds?

Taste is the weakest of your five senses, but it’s responsible for the different flavors you experience when you eat. In general, girls have more taste buds than boys. Taste buds are tiny nerve endings that send messages to your brain to help you sense a taste. How much do you know about your taste buds? Test your knowledge and visit Dr. Pate to make sure the taste in your mouth is healthy.

1. What are the bumps on your tongue called?

a. Papillae
b. Ridges
c. Palate

2. What are the five main tastes?

a. Sugar, fruity, sour, spicy, creamy
b. Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami
c. Dairy, bread, meat, dessert, beverage

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February 8, 2012

Pet Dental Health

Eating table scraps, licking people, and digging through trash cans and outdoor surroundings can make your pet’s mouth very dirty. Dental disease affects 78% of dogs and 68% of cats, and poor dental health can lead to bacterial infection and tooth loss in any species.  Since your canine or feline doesn’t have access to professional dental care by Dr. Pate like you do, it’s important that you understand how to keep your pet’s mouth clean.

Pet Dental Problems

This month is National Pet Dental Health month. P. gulae is the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease in animals. Dental problems in pets can cause pain, discomfort, shyness, and irritability. Contact your vet if you notice any of these oral symptoms in your pet:

  • Tartar buildup
  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Wincing when touched near mouth
  • Red gums

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